30 years later, Gaffney's is still Saratoga's Place to Be

Gaffney's owner John Baker and general manager Kim Smith say the bar and restaurant is successful because of its dedicated staff and loyal customers. (ED BURKE/eburke@saratogian.com)

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Gaffney's has been a fixture on Caroline Street for three decades now, steadfastly providing food, drinks and music for Saratoga's late-night crowd.

Owner John Baker of Galway wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm very lucky," he said. "It's been a wonderful journey so far."

The establishment will celebrate its long business life with a Third Decade Party at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.

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Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and champagne will be served by Gaffney's alumni bartenders, the "blasts from the past," as the party flier says. All tips to the barkeeps will go to Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County.

Giving back to the community that's supported him is important to Baker, who gives away about 10 Gaffney's gift certificates to various causes weekly.

Gaffney's has indoor dining, a large outdoor dining area, three bars and a garden. Baker calls the restaurant's style "casual gourmet." The menu offers American cuisine and many dishes from different cultures and ethnic origins.

Live music is offered all year round, and the venue highlights popular regional performers. Genres range from blues and jazz to Motown and rock.

Gaffney's address is 16 Caroline St., but the establishment actually spills into 18, 20 and 22 Caroline St., not to mention the back garden and the Baker-owned apartments overhead.

Throughout the years, the restaurant and bar has been the centerpiece of Baker's diverse business ventures -- the one constant.

Baker discovered his entrepreneurial passion early. His first business venture was one of Saratoga's original vending businesses, Frankly Speaking, a hot-dog cart located on Broadway in the late 1970s.

After a stint in restaurants and bartending, Baker realized he loved the industry. When the opportunity to buy Gaffney's came along in the fall of 1982, he took it.

Much of the staff Baker hired, including general manager Kim Smith of Middleburgh and bar manager Lisa Zuccaro, has been with him for 20 years or more. One of the bartenders, Tommy "Cabbage," was hired in 1982.

"My employees are my greatest assets," Baker said.

Smith, who has been at Gaffney's for 23 years, describes her job as doing whatever needs doing.

Gaffney's has become like the famous TV bar "Cheers," Baker said. He appreciates the loyal customers, some of whom have been coming for years.

"Seeing people smile while they're eating or drinking, having a good time, means so much to me," he said.

Dozens of famous people have had a good time in Gaffney's, among them Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, who walked out on his $38 bar bill, Baker recalled.

"I think he was a little drunk by the end of the night," Baker said charitably. "I don't think he meant to do it."

Other adventures over the years involved actors Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who stopped at Gaffney's while Kidman was filming in the area.

"Tom Cruise is a very handsome guy, but he's much shorter than you'd think," he said. "He's chest-high to me. I walked around a corner in the restaurant and I ran right into him. I apologized and said, 'Hello,' and he said, 'Hello,' very nicely. Then he told me, 'Your urinal is clogged up.' "

Smith also has a bathroom tale. One night when she was working at nearby Tin & Lint, Gaffney's staff ran in to get her. Smith ran back with them, into the bathroom, and looked down at a live trout swimming in one of the toilets.

"About a foot long!" she said. "I never did find out what they did with it -- I had to get back to work."

This work ethic, which pervades the restaurant's staff, has a lot to do with its success over time.

"It's quite a feat for the same man to own a restaurant all these years," Smith said. "It's a testament to John's kindness and great business sense."

Among Baker's challenges are state and city regulations, small margins and keeping costs down while providing great service. He is also concerned about remaining fresh and innovative and being one step ahead of the trend.

"I have grayer hair now, but I haven't been to rehab," he said, smiling. "This isn't the easiest business in the world. But I'm not retiring yet. I love being Saratoga's Place to Be."